Arcadia's Ignoble Knight: Dark Elf Arc

Chapter 32

The amphitheater was an unroofed oval building with a central space for presentations. As an open-air venue used for entertainment and performances, it was large enough to seat over 90,000 people. The tiers of seats surrounded the central space.

Currently, all the seats were occupied. Filled to the brim, Caspian didn't think he could see a single spot that wasn't practically bursting with people. There were so many who had come to see Clarissa as she made her announcement that there were even people standing on the stairwells.

Because Caspian was Elincia's knight, he stood next to her as she patiently waited by Clarissa's side, dressed in a dark cloak with a hood that hid her face from the crowd. Chloe was not with them. As someone responsible for trafficking slaves alongside Marquis Hunington, they couldn't show her off. He and Elincia were next to Clarissa. Of course, since Clarissa's knight had been killed previously, Caspian was acting as the protector for them both.

"Everyone! Thank you all for coming!"

Clarissa's voice echoed across the vast amphitheater. However, it wasn't like she was simply projecting her voice. A microphone was standing in front of her, and several speakers had been set up around the amphitheater. This microphone was also connected to the PA system, so everything in Dorumhold could hear her words even if they weren't attending this presentation.

At her words, the rambunctious crowd settled down, bringing forth an odd silence that made Elincia shift on her feet.

"I have several announcements I wish to make, regarding the matter of several days ago," Clarissa continued. "Several months ago, I caught wind that Marquis Hunington was trafficking slaves through Dorumhold. He found out and took me captive. During that time, he kept me drugged up and used me as a plaything."

Her words caused a stir among the crowd. Even Caspian could hear their voices as they broke out in mutters, though he couldn't ear what was being said. Elincia's ears twitched beneath the hood.

"However, I was saved." Clarissa reached forward and grabbed Elincia's hand, pulling the girl to her. "I was saved by this girl, who was sent by the Sorceress Council to discover what the marquis was up to and bring him to justice if he was found to have committed any crimes."

At this moment, Clarissa gave Elincia a nod, causing the girl to release a deep breath as she raised her hands, grabbed her cloak, and pulled it back. A collective gasp went up as her ears sprung free. The mutters and whispers became a loud, thunderous roar. Elincia almost curled in on herself, but Caspian flooded his feelings through the bond and helped her retain the confidence to stand with her back straight.

"Elincia is an elf, but she is also a sorceress," Clarissa continued, speaking over the noise. "Marquis Hunington had kindapped people from across the country and sold them to other countries as slaves. Innocent men, women, and children were routinely traded as commodities by him and the other nobles. You all heard his confession the previous day. This young woman brought it upon herself to uncover the truth, rescue me, and bring the marquis actions to light."

Perhaps it was her words, but the crowd settled down, allowing Clarissa to continue speaking without the need to raise her voice.

"Elincia has done more for humanity than any noble has ever done. How many people here can say they've risked their own life to save countless captured humans who were about to be shipped off to another country as slaves? How many people would do such a thing? While Marquis Hunington and other nobles have grown wealthy from human trafficking, this girl willingly put herself in harm's way to save those who would have suffered unspeakable horrors. She is a hero. That is why I would like to honor Elincia on this day for all the help she has given to us. If anyone else feels the same as me, then please help me in thanking Elincia for putting a man who would gladly sell us all behind bars."